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Author Biography

Originally from the Ukraine, Iryna K Combs is still considered a new face to America. Speaking three languages including English, that became just as natural as her native Russian. She grew up in a town on the south of Ukraine doing the same things that other kids her age did. Dreaming, hoping and wishing. Growing up, she spoke absolutely no English and never even saw herself somewhere abroad. Nevertheless writing a novel in another language! Iryna went to the local school that brought mostly negative experience in her life. But it shaped her throughout the years. Her college life was much better. Iryna was known to study well and to go out partying as much as it was possible. In her first year of college she met her future husband in the marriage agency. When she finally got her fiancée visa, they both moved to the states, where soon after, got married. In the first few years Iryna did some modeling and acting. Photo-shoots, run-way and photo in the magazine fulfilled her childhood's dream. A few years later she became a mother of a wonderful and most handsome little boy. Along with learning and experiencing motherhood, Iryna began to make hand-made jewelry and organic soaps. This hobby turned into small business and became bigger than she thought it would. In the last year Iryna discovered: “an author lives inside me”. Never did she think that she would write an English book and that she would love doing it. But she did! And yes, she loved it!

Book Review

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs is the story of Annabel, a humanoid who was captured by a species known for their cruelty. Annabel was captured by the Varkins and tortured in some heinous ways. The pain and agony is too much, she wants to escape, but that will not be easy. Can Annabel escape? Can she survive the pressure of fitting in with her people after all that she has been through? Getting away from the enemy was the easy part; learning to live again is the challenge for Annabel. Can she manage to be the person she was before? Will she ever get back what she has lost?

Black Wings is one of those novels that is carefully thought out and tested before being written down and presented to the reader. Combs definitely worked a lot on making sure that everything fits perfectly. She crafted a world that is believable and understandable. Scarily enough, it feels real too. You cannot help but sympathize with Annabel. She is strong and trying to survive. She is courageous and determined. The torture was gruesome, so people who are squeamish should skip those pages. But for me, it made the novel real and allowed me to connect with Annabel like I would with anyone in this situation. All in all, this is definitely a sci-fi everyone would enjoy.

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Renee Hilliard

I absolutely love this book! I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Well plotted and keeps you guessing! I hope you write a sequel to this Irina! I will definitely be buying copies for family and friends!!!! Great job!

Cheryl E. Rodriguez

Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs takes you into a bizarre future. Earth has turned to ruin. Those who remain colonize a new planet. In an attempt to improve human nature, the scientific community develops the “Core.” Except the “Core” is defective and, once utilized, all of humankind is changed in physical appearance. Two new societies are formed, each with their own separate core of protection. The catlike creatures are known as the Varkins, evil, corrupt and ruled by cruelty. The others are the Anlights who are beautiful, kind humanoids that, when transformed, have wings. War breaks out. The Varkins destroy the Anlights' core and take a group of Anlights hostage. The rest of the Anlights flee to the south, hoping to rebuild their society. Victorius, the Varkin leader, takes a special interest in one Anlight – Annabel. Desperation takes over and Annabel plans her escape. But will she ever truly be free? Does time really heal all wounds? Even among other Anlights there is no place to hide and try to forget. Her “Black Wings,” whether for good or bad, have marked her forever.

Iryna K. Combs writes an unforgettable story of a world divided in Black Wings. The concept of good and evil in human nature is the focus of the story. Bipolar traits are depicted in the characters and in the two distinct societies of the narrative. Darkness versus Light. Cruelty versus Kindness. Taking versus Sharing. Love versus Lust. These opposites illustrate the diversity of the plot. Ukranian born Combs’ heritage and national history are evident in her writing. However, her ability to pen her first novel in English is exemplary. The chapters are rather long, but the plot action builds, page upon page. The cast of characters shapes the world of the main character. The female protagonist portrays peaks and valleys in development. She is strong and fearless in the beginning, softens and withdraws as the story unfolds, then soars to new heights by the story’s end. For me this reveals the reality of someone who has experienced extreme trauma. You fight to stay alive: you heal through quiet surrendering solitude. If you remain still, although scarred, your wounds heal. Your body, soul and spirit are set free, releasing life’s purpose and potential. In Annabel’s case, her “Black Wings” were meant to taint and debilitate, but by the end they become her defining source of strength.